Coming off an 11-3-1 season, the eighth straight winning season for the program, Seattle University head men’s soccer coach Brad Agoos has announced that three student-athletes have committed in writing to the school and will join the men’s soccer program beginning in August 2009.

Troy Bratten (Troutdale, Ore.) is a 5’10”, 153-lb. midfielder who has been a two-time All-League performer at Central Catholic High School. Over the past two seasons, he has earned 35 goals and 34 assists. A four-year participant in the Olympic Development Program (O.D.P.), Bratten spent a year in the United States Developmental Academy as well as one year attending the O.D.P. National Camp and three years at the O.D.P. Regional Camp.

John Pegg (Edmonton, Alberta) has been part of several winning teams during his club and high school career. As a member of South West United, the 5’9” midfielder/forward won the U-18 Alberta Provincial Championship and the U-18 Canadian National Club Championship. Last year, he scored four goals in the title game to lead Harry Ainlay High School to the Edmonton Public Premier High School Soccer Championship. Pegg has also participated in the Canadian National Training Center program.

A high school teammate of Bratten, Bobby Segal (Portland, Ore.) was a four-year varsity starter for Central Catholic High School, finishing his high school career with 21 goals and 15 assists. The 5’11” defender was a four-time All-League honoree, helping his squad win the conference championship all four years as well as the Oregon 6A state soccer championship during his junior season. Segal played for F.C. Portland on the club level and participated in the Oregon O.D.P. from 2004 to 2007.

“I am very excited to have Bobby, John, and Troy coming in next year. They all come from outstanding families and playing situations. While this is a small class, we feel we have three individuals that are great players are great people, which is first and foremost in our program. They will all come in and have the chance to make an immediate impact and will be players that can continue our progress as we continue a new era of Seattle University men’s soccer,” Agoos said.

Four of the top five scorers from this season (Kyle Peterman, Ian Walsh, Wesley Van Hooser, Sean Morris) are eligible to return next season, as are starting defenders Will Banchero, Derek Rogalsky, and Demaci Roussos and goalie Emerson DeOliveira. Along with Cal State Bakersfield, the Seattle University men’s soccer program will join the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation in 2009, competing against Denver, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV, Sacramento State, and Air Force.

The Seattle University men’s soccer team started off its transition to Division I in 2008 by defeating Cleveland State and North Florida for the UC Irvine College Classic title, swept through a trip to Florida with victories over Florida Gulf Coast and Florida Atlantic, and posted dramatic road victories over Portland and Cal State Bakersfield. As a “fast track” sport, the program will be eligible for NCAA postseason play beginning in the 2010 season.